Sodium Depletion in Adrenalectomized Humans1

Abstract

Negative Na+ balances of 200 to 600 mEq were produced by Na+ restriction during continued administration of cortisone. The severity of the ensuing hyponatremia depended upon the initial total exchangeable Na+ and possibly the rate of depletion. In one study it was found that anti-diuretic hormone was not necessary for the development of the hyponatremia of Na+ depletion. Large differences between the observed cation balance and the calculated cation balance suggested the possibility of "inactivation" of intracellular cation.